LAKELAND REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

DEPARTMENT OF TECHNOLOGY

WANAQUE, NEW JERSEY

"Mousetrap Racecar"

PROBLEM STATEMENT:

A local Boy Scout troop has received a donation of mousetraps. The scoutmaster has asked us to design and test an activity that his scouts may use. He has indicated that most of his troops are interested in cars

DESIGN BRIEF:

Design and construct a vehicle which will as quickly as possible travel 3 meters using a mousetrap as the power source. The design must also take a passenger along (one raw egg), arriving safely at the end of the run.

RESEARCH AND INVESTIGATION:

Research and define the following terms as they relate to engineering and mechanical design. Answers must be typed, include a picture or image where possible, and include a reference:

1). What are the 6 Simple Machines? Describe each one and include a picture.

2). Give a real world example of each of the 6 machines described above and include a picture.

3). Define the following terms: potential energy, kinetic energy, and friction.

4). What are the three classes of levers? Include a picture of each.

5). Research and sketch 3 possible mousetrap car designs that can be used for this project. Explain why you think each design will be successful. Make sure your designs meet the criteria listed below.

LIMITATIONS:

1). You may only use approved materials.

2). Only the potential energy stored in the mousetrap may be used to propel the vehicle.

3). You may only use one mousetrap.

4). All components brought to the race track are considered part of the vehicle and must travel the course.

5).The car must take a passenger down the course safely. (raw egg)

6). The egg must be easily removable without damage to the egg or the vehicle.

7). The vehicle must travel straight down the track. If the vehicle goes outside the bounds, it is disqualified.

8). The course is a rectangle 3 meters long, 1 meter wide with cement blocks at the far end.

9). The vehicle may be placed anywhere behind the start line.

10). The vehicle must travel the entire length of the track and touch the far wall.

11). Time will be kept from the time the instructor says "go" to the point at which the vehicle hits the wall.

MATERIALS:

1). The following materials will be available: Balsa wood, wood scraps, dowels, cardboard, string (various sizes), paper, nails, stiff wire, glue, etc. Other materials may be provided upon request.

2). Materials may be sourced from home and brought in with prior approval.

3). You may only use raw materials, or materials that have been repurposed/recycled for another reason. You may not use any manufactured products for their intended purpose (for example, you cannot use a toy car or parts from a toy car for your vehicle).

GRADING:

Documentation = 1 test grades AS PER RUBRIC

Prototype = 1 test grade AS PER RUBRIC